Back in 2015, Taylor Guitars organized a special custom guitar showcase event for Taylor dealers at The Catch restaurant in Anaheim, California, on the eve of the Winter NAMM trade show. On display was an array of uniquely stunning guitars we’d designed and built for dealers to peruse. They were given the opportunity to opt in for a chance to purchase the ones they liked (based on our ability to reproduce each in very limited quantities). Beyond being a great in-person hang with our longtime retail partners, the gathering allowed them to see, play and potentially acquire some truly extraordinary guitars from Taylor to offer their customers.
The event’s popularity turned it into an annual pre-NAMM tradition. Though we later changed venues after the restaurant closed, we kept the Catch Customs name, as these guitars make special, heirloom-quality additions to anyone’s guitar collection.
We’ve since expanded the Catch event further to include an online presentation, which has allowed dealers not traveling to the show to participate virtually.
This year brings a new collection of more than three dozen custom builds featuring premium-grade tonewood pairings, striking aesthetic details and meticulous craftsmanship, with each guitar boasting distinct visual and musical flavors.
We couldn’t be more excited about this year’s collection. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
Custom #3
This visually stunning Grand Orchestra is a showcase for figured maple’s aesthetic beauty, pairing quilted Big Leaf maple back and sides with a Lutz spruce top, all finished with a striking royal blue color treatment and a gloss finish. Figured Hawaiian koa accents include a contrasting beveled armrest, heel cap and body binding. The paua shell rosette and peghead logo are accentuated by mother-of-pearl and paua shell fretboard and peghead inlays featuring our Mission design.
Custom #15
This gorgeous Grand Theater boasts a unique pairing of figured Hawaiian koa sides and back in a Simons wedge configuration, and a sinker redwood top, offering a rarefied sonic experience. A tobacco shaded edgeburst on the entire guitar and a gloss body finish give it a dusky character. The rosette features a rosewood frame and diamond inlays in maple and paua shell, reminiscent of our legacy NS74 rosette style, and is complemented by paua shell edge trim and a mother-of-pearl peghead logo.
Custom #27
Opulent appointments, a unique hardwood and comfort-enhancing features define this custom Grand Auditorium. Bocote back and sides are paired with a bearclaw Sitka spruce top. The fretboard and peghead feature paua shell/koa inlays with a breathtaking Sea Forest Vine design. Those inlays harmonize with the ornate paua shell rosette and edge trim. Figured Hawaiian koa accents include the beveled armrest, back strip, backstrap, heel cap, and the soundhole and body binding.
Custom #37
Boasting a captivating Midnight Sapphire color treatment, this custom T5z hollowbody hybrid pairs a lightweight Urban Ash body with a beautifully figured Big Leaf maple top, all finished with a lustrous gloss treatment. The fretboard features faux-pearl/silver inlays with Spires inlays in a progressive design. An integrated armrest and rounded edges offer supreme playing comfort.
Custom #41
Capturing the lush tone and captivating visual character of figured Hawaiian koa, this custom Grand Pacific features an elegant four-piece Simons wedge back configuration and a glossy Kona burst finish. Elegant paua shell appointments include a single-ring rosette, peghead logo, and fretboard and peghead inlays with an organic Spring Vine design.
It’s easier than you might think to create your very own custom Taylor guitar. If you already have some ideas in mind, what are you waiting for? All custom orders are placed through our network of authorized Taylor dealers. Start a conversation today! View the other models in our Catch Customs Gallery here.
